by AE Watson
But it was my grandmother who greeted us on the rooftop. Her arms open wide and her face lit with a bright smile; she looked the same as always.
“My darling girl how are you?” she asked as she rushed forward.
“I’m well, Gran,” I replied and let her embrace me. Artan grumbled something before lifting off, leaving me there.
“Is he not staying?” she puzzled after the grumpy dragon as he headed back out to sea.
“He’s not fond of this city,” I answered and watched him fly away.
“Well, hopefully in time he will again learn to trust us here.” She smiled and slid an arm around my shoulders. “Now, enough of that. How is Michael?”
“You’ve heard about Ed then, I take it?” I asked as we walked inside the palace where the rich scent of incense and jasmine flowers met us. The pleasant smells and lush textures of this wealthy kingdom were less remarkable than the last time I’d been here. Florents had won me over before with its stunning scenery and warmth richness. But Anamay had ruined all of that with her treachery. And it wasn’t just her. I suspected many continued to cling to her as a leader and queen. Loyalty that had not yet found its way to my family.
“Poor Michael. Ed was always such a brat, but I never imagined he would let a girl sway him from his family and his obligations,” she spat her venomous words. “A disgrace.”
“I did notice your absence from the wedding,” I pointed out as she led me past the bedroom I had once woken in after a treacherous journey on a ship. Discovering sailing wasn’t for me had been a violent revelation.
“I told him not to expect my support. She was a perfectly nice girl for him to spend his time with but not the sort to marry.” She lifted her head high as we walked on. “Our family doesn’t have the luxury of such frivolities as love.”
My insides tightened.
“Speaking of which, how is Grayson? I heard he is the king in the South now, apart from Altaros where Anamay is hiding.” Her tone suggested Grayson had improved himself in her eyes with his advancement in society.
“He’s Grayson.” I shrugged before recalling how much she hated shrugging. “He’s strong and immortal and determined to free his people.”
My grandmother’s smile widened. “And then he will take the throne in the South?”
“I suspect he will not have another option.” The reality of it was painful.
“And Maddox has taken the Midland throne for Michael?”
“He has.” I pressed my lips together. “He’s taken a cure as well. Did Michael tell you about it?
“He did not. What cure?” She sat in the large chaise in the sunny window overlooking the sea and the city to the east.
I sat across from her as servants in the slip dresses scurried in, bringing food and drink.
Waiting for them to leave before I spoke on it, I changed the subject, “Have you noticed a decline in shipping and trade here?”
“Vast decline. Your brother is being blamed for it. For allowing the wars in the Southern Isles. As if he has anything to do with those.” Grandmother took a cherry and rolled her eyes as she popped it in her mouth. “That will be all.” She waved away the staff.
“Mani took me to see the witches,” I leaned in and whispered.
“Did you take Artan’s tear and blood?”
“No.” I sat back. “And I won’t.”
“You have to before Anamay figures out a way to do it. We both know that is what she is after.”
“I’m not discussing Artan with anyone but Artan,” I said pointedly. “I’m going to kill Anamay and end her threat to my dragon’s life.”
Grandmother sighed, her displeasure with me began to show. “You are so like your mother. So determined to see things your way, be damned the consequences if anyone should get in the way or things not turn out the way you want.” She placed her cherry pit in a small container and took another. “And what is your plan, should you fail to kill her and she finds a way to take Artan’s tear and blood? What then?”
“He would be mortal, the way his mother was when she died. I’m not asking that from him.” I lowered my voice, hating that I was practically shouting at my sweet grandmother. “Anyway, as I was saying, I went to see the witches.”
“Right.” She narrowed her gaze but allowed me to continue without arguing.
“I asked them if they could clear Michael and Ed of the vulkodlak stain. As they hadn’t become wolves on their own, it had been the war and dark magic and everything going on.”
“You did what?” She arched an eyebrow and sat forward a little.
“I asked for a cure. And they gave it to me.”
She paled.
“Michael is a mortal man. No one will ever be able to force his wolf or prove he is not of Father’s lineage. Maddox took the cure as well.”
“The cure, or rather his refusal of it, is why Ed left with that girl?” she asked softly but there was no mistaking the distress in her voice. This troubled her.
“Yes. He wanted to remain a wolf. With her as one as well, and Michael said no one on a throne would remain a wolf.”
“They were immortal as wolves, safer,” she lamented and sat back.
“No. Cutting the head off a vulkodlak kills them. They’re not exactly immortal. And all vulkodlak are susceptible to the alpha’s whims. Grayson technically controls them all. It’s why Anamay wanted his heart. She wanted him, thus controlling them all.”
“Let’s not speak on this further. Gods know who is listening,” she uttered and forced a smile again. “How long are you staying?”
“It depends on who you have chosen for the steward’s position. Or will you remain as Michael’s steward?”
“No, I think not. I’m of no mind to control a kingdom or bother with the petty disputes of captains and shopkeepers.” She waved her hand at me. “I have a bevy of possible candidates for you to choose from.” Her eyes widened. “I was hoping your keen senses might help you decide. Since my senses are obviously lacking.” She blushed. “How else could Anamay trick me so easily?”
“She fooled everyone. Most of this city probably thinks of her as the victim and us Morgentsteins as the enemy. Egar said that a lot of people still don’t believe Michael is the rightful king.” I lowered my voice again, “There seems to be a lot of people who are aware of Mother’s—indiscretions.”
“That’s the problem with secrets, Millia. If you tell one person, you might as well tell everyone. Are you still against taking the throne?”
The question was off-putting but I forced an answer, “I am. Michael is the right leader for the kingdom. Even if it was just Ettelbruck, I would say he was the right person for the job. But adding all the kingdoms into one, he has much more of the diplomacy and grace needed than me.”
“You give yourself too little credit. I think you would be a fine leader. A strong one.” She smiled wide again, relaxing a little. “And you have a dragon to eat anyone who opposes you.”
Her comment brought a grin to my lips too. “He’s not fond of the taste of us. Prefers lamb.”
She laughed and I joined her, and for a moment it felt like before.
“Well, I’ll leave you to get ready. We have dinner tonight with a handful of possible stewards. I chose the best contenders for our first feast. I’ve told them it’s to honor your arrival to the city. Surely, you need to rest and ready yourself.” She stood and I followed, hugging her again. I closed my eyes and inhaled, remembering how it felt to be a small girl in Ettelbruck with a grandmother who loved me more than anything in the world. The memory was a nice place to rest my heart for a second or two before she pulled away and a servant led me to the room I’d been given. It was the same one as last time.
And fortunately, the servant girls were there again, filling a tub with water, flower petals, and oils.
I decided to shut off my mind and relax in the tub, letting myself replay seeing Grayson over and over and over.
It wasn’t the worst way to spend
an afternoon, especially since I couldn’t have the real thing.
Not yet.
But maybe one day.
Maybe.
Chapter 21
Grandmother had used the correct wording. It was a feast.
When I entered the massive dining room I couldn’t believe what I saw. The table was set with a feast, not only foods but of colors. It was breathtaking to take it all in. When we’d dined with Anamay it was lavish, but this was excessive. Particularly for the number of guests.
Grandmother noticed me enter and smiled, holding out a hand to summon me to where she spoke to a tall man I didn’t recognize. My eyes naturally darted to the locket on my wrist which flashed no faces. The tree was all I saw.
Taking that as a good sign, I walked to her, trying to maintain a pleasant expression, though the eyes on me from the dozen or so people mingling didn’t match that. Almost every person appeared nervous or uncomfortable at the sight of me, losing the agreeable mien the moment they noticed me.
“Lord Birback, I would like to introduce you to my granddaughter, Princess Amillia Morgentstein. Amillia, Lord Birback is the man responsible for the delicious fruits we have tonight. He owns a large trade company that brings in exotic fruits from even as far as Slynderal and the unnamed lands.”
“How lovely to meet you, Princess. I have heard a great many things about you.” His eyes lowered to my sides. “I am disappointed not to see the two Degha blades you are notorious for.”
“They didn’t go with my dress,” I chided, making him chuckle.
“No, I suppose not. Ladies’ fashion is always remiss in its bias toward a lack of weaponry, in my opinion. I’ve always admired the women in the North and their swords.” His stare flickered to the room, doing a small lap of its occupants. “Though, I believe women in the South are equally dangerous if not more so with their hidden weapons.” He glanced back at me. “At least with a lady from the North you know how she will kill you.”
I liked him.
“That’s quite true, my lord. And are you from here?”
“I am, indeed. My family goes back almost as far as your own here.” He nodded at my grandmother who had grown up here as nobility.
“Yes, I think our great-great grandfathers were friends,” Grandmother agreed and then noticed something behind me. Her eyes lit up. “Ah, there’s a face I didn’t expect. Prince Erick,” she gasped and walked from me.
“Oh no,” I whispered.
“You know of the young prince?” Lord Birback asked quietly.
“Maybe,” I said and turned, wincing when I saw him and my grandmother embracing as if quite comfortable with one another. “Apparently, my entire family knows him better than they know me,” I accidentally blurted.
“Allow me, Your Grace.” He offered me his arm as a quick getaway.
“Thank you.” I took it and hurried over to another couple which he introduced.
“Princess Amillia, I would be honored to introduce you to Lady and Lord Perdo.” His introduction was missing the usual hints and clues to a person’s character, but I understood a moment later when Lady Perdo began to speak.
“Your Grace, it is so lovely to meet you. I knew your mother quite well. A charming and lovely woman. We grew up together in Marana. And of course, I knew your father.” She smiled wickedly, making me want to grimace, but I held myself tightly in a polite expression.
“Yes, your father was a good man,” Lord Perdo said. “An honest man. Something the world is short on, shorter since his death. That was a bad business, that was. I was truly sorry to hear of his passing and of the dishonesty in your house. That Barrel was always trouble. Always trying to stir up nonsense.”
“Indeed,” his wife agreed. “I always say that anyone who spends that amount time meddling in others’ affairs has an unhappy home in need of some attention.”
The statement was odd and I suspected ironic but there wasn’t time to spend on it.
Her eyes lightened and her cheeks flushed, and I knew exactly who was behind me.
“And this is my granddaughter who I believe you have had the honor of meeting already,” my grandmother spoke softly, making me turn to the equally disappointed face of Prince Erick.
“Enchanted, as always, Your Grace.” He took my hand and bowed, kissing the back of it. His lips on me made my stomach tingle. His effect was annoying and only put me off further.
“Prince Erick, I had no idea we would have the benefit of your company this evening.” Gods help me.
“Nor I, Princess. But your brother, King Michael, insisted I join you all for dinner.” He couldn’t have sounded less interested in me or dinner.
The feeling was mutual.
“Let’s sit! We can all get acquainted better over a nice meal.” Grandmother clapped her hands. As if on standby, servants came scurrying into the room and began pulling out chairs for us to sit.
“Prince Erick, why don’t you take the head there and Amillia will sit next to you.” She winked. “You young people can better entertain yourselves.”
“Speak for yourself.” Lady Perdo scoffed and took a seat next to Erick opposite from the one I was meant to sit in.
I wanted to choose somewhere else to sit, but my mother’s voice whispered for me to be polite. I saw her stern look so clearly it was as if she were here.
“Thank you,” I said as I took my seat and settled into the comfortable chair.
“I knew your father. I’m sorry for your loss,” Lady Perdo offered to Prince Erick. Her stare catching mine for a moment, as if she knew it was me who killed him.
“Thank you. He was fond of Florents.” Prince Erick’s back was stiff and his mood icy.
“It’s strange living longer than your peers,” she added, again ensuring I noticed her eyes on me. “I hope to outlive them all by many years.” She lifted her wine glass and drank.
Erick and I sat still, unresponsive to her strange comments. I didn’t know how to take them. Was she asking me to spare her life? Again, I checked my locket. No faces flashed.
“You didn’t ask why I was with your brother,” Prince Erick leaned closer to me and muttered.
“I think I know the reason.”
“Has he spoken of it to you? His intentions?”
“Indeed,” I replied with a heavy sigh, avoiding his gaze though he stared straight at me.
“She is that lady there, Lady Kandace Alejandra,” he said and nodded his head toward a woman at least ten years my senior with a beautiful face and a charming smile. She was laughing with Lord Birback. I was confused for a moment before I realized why Erick had been sent here. It wasn’t to discuss us, me and him—it was to meet Michael’s intended. The woman he had spoken of to me. The heiress whose parents I murdered cruelly.
I nearly sighed again with relief but realizing she likely knew I’d murdered her parents, I almost wished Erick had been sent here to discuss us.
“You knew her father,” he said pointedly, drawing my glare.
“I have known nearly everyone’s father.” I said the sentence before I realized there was a double meaning there. Erick’s eyes lifted and a wicked grin slid across his face.
“Have you now? Interesting.” He raised his wine glass and sipped as my cheeks lit in flames.
“Oh gods. That’s not what I meant,” I said, laughing unavoidably.
His smile was genuine. “I gathered as much, though I suppose killing someone is nearly as intimate as bedding them.”
“Nearly,” I replied cheekily until I realized we were now grinning at each other and possibly discussing my murdering his father.
He cleared his throat and sat a bit more relaxed, lessening the tension in his spine. “Has your brother discussed the other matter he has been thinking—?”
“Of course.” I didn’t bother trying to avoid it this time.
Prince Erick watched me for a moment before speaking, “You and I did not get off to a good start. Some might say it is the way you snuck into my kingdo
m to dispose of my father when I had things well in hand myself.”
“Right.” I pretended that was me.
“And the other part is that you’re being thrust on me. It’s a bit invasive, even for royals. I understand it is something commonly done with your family; a wife from Florents—or in your mother’s case, Marana—keeps the peace in your kingdom. But it is not common practice in Montagne.”
“Then we have an understanding,” I whispered, staring into blazing eyes. “We agree on one thing.”
“Oh no, Princess, we agree on many more than that.” He winked and turned his attention back to my grandmother as she started the introductions, not sharing what else we agreed upon.
Grandmother was a show-woman, acting as if she loved the spotlight and hosting. But that was far from the truth. Her little room in the servants’ quarters back home had been proof enough of that. But she was impressive in the way she recalled even the slightest details and made jokes in her introductions. She lightened the mood where my presence had no doubt darkened it.
Lady Kandace Alejandra nodded her head at me when she was introduced, but there was none of the warmth Lord Birback had received from her. She was lovely, even with a cold expression. I had never given much thought to my brothers’ wives, but killing both the women’s parents wasn’t ideal.
Fortunately, it wasn’t something I had to stew on. The first course was brought out and the evening moved ahead with speed. I ate, listening and observing the people, as was my task. Lady Kandace seemed nice enough and well-liked by everyone at the table, but it was Lord Birback who was winning my favor. He was a gentleman and reminded me of my father. Shrewd, but only if you paid close enough attention to the things he said and did.
He would be the choice for steward. I didn’t need to see anyone else. Maybe it was my dragon-blood senses. Perhaps, it was the way he favored my father in my memories. Likely, it was the realness and rescue from earlier. But whatever the reason was, I enjoyed the idea of him working for my brother. It felt safe. The exact way Lord Enderby had.
As we finished with coffees and dessert, Prince Erick took a noisy moment at the table, while one of the lords recollected an amusing story to entertain, to lean in and whisper, “We agree that your brother sending assassins to kill my father was an excellent idea. We agree that you and I would be a disastrous marriage, though I will admit I have had thoughts of you in the most compromising positions. We agree that Michael should be king and you should not be queen. And I suspect, deep down, we agree that magic shouldn’t exist in the world of man.” He sat back away from me while I remained frozen, my head spinning with his words.